Detroit Lions' fans cannot let impending game against New Orleans Saints to damper enjoyment of season

AP PhotosRecord-setting seasons by Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are just a couple reasons for Lions' fans to remember 2011 fondly

The prospect of having to travel to New Orleans for a playoff game against the high-powered Saints that beat the Lions by two touchdowns less than a month ago likely does not excite Detroit fans.

That may not actually be true, because some people will lean on the adage "To be the best you have to beat the best."

However, for a franchise that has exactly one post-season victory since 1957, you would think "I just want to win a playoff game" would trump that.

A trip to The Big Apple to face the Giants rather than having to head to The Big Easy would have certainly increased the odds of the Lions moving on to the next round. However, Sunday's loss to the Packers ended that possibility.

That impending match-up with a team that has been unbeatable at home this year may be putting a damper on Lions' fans enthusiasm, but it shouldn't. Over the next few seasons, the high probability of getting knocked out of the first round of the playoffs should upset everyone wearing Honolulu Blue and Silver, but not this year.

This year can be as much about the experience as it is the result.

Just think back to the last decade this team has faced where nothing seemed to go right. It was capped off with the 0-16 season three years ago, but even when the team was winning a handful of games, there seemed to be no plan, no direction and no hope.

Since Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz took over, all three of those have been in abundance. Not everything they have tried has worked, but the missteps seem to be less damaging, and the franchise has continued to move along a singular path.

It's a path that has led Detroit to their first playoff game in 12 years. Hopefully this is another step in the right direction that will complete the team's transformation from laughing stock to championship contender.

Obviously, an upset victory over the Saints would accelerate that process, but it is not necessary to be able look back at this season as a huge success.

Matthew Stafford set new team single-season records for passing yardage and touchdowns, as well as career 300-yard passing games. Calvin Johnson solidified his spot as one of the top wideouts in the game, and set franchise single-season records for receiving yards and TDs. The team also set a new mark for points scored in a season.

There is still enormous room for improvement, but to be able to win 10 games while in this state of transition is nothing to be taken lightly.

The Lions have made enormous strides forward in a very short amount of time. Even if the worst case scenario becomes reality Saturday night in New Orleans, it should not take away from the pride Detroiters can take in this team once again.